I recently stopped my antidepressant medications (with the approval of my doctor) in order to maximize my chances at IVF and a healthy baby.

I have a few pounds to lose now — thanks to years of antidepressants and aging — but I'm having a heck of a time with my carb cravings now that my serotonin is so out of whack without the meds. I was never a stress eater but now I find myself reaching for pizza, chocolate and chips whenever I feel stressed.

I'm fighting hard to lose about 8 lbs pre IVF in June/July. It feels like a losing battle, though, because no matter how hard I exercise (about 4 hours a week) and how well I eat, one carb binge and I'm back to where I'd started.

Any suggestions for taming those cravings?

TTC since February 2010

IUI #1: October 2011Puregon 50, Ovidrel Cycle cancelled, only one egg

IUI#2: December 2011Puregon 75, Ovidrel, producing three eggsBFN

IVF#1: March 2012 AntagonistPuregon 175, Orgalutran, HCG, beginning March 5Trigger: March 12, seven follicles visible on U/SER March 14: nine eggs retrieved, five mature, three fertilized on first day, two remaining day two (4-4 and 3-4). Both transferred.Started my period 11dp2dt. BFN

IVF #2 AgonistMay 24: Start BCPJune 7: Start SuprefactJuly 1: ER - 17 eggs retrieved!July 2: Fertilization report: 9 out of 17 mature. 8 fertilized. Scheduled for a 5-day transfer.July 6: Stunned to learn we have only two of the poorest-quality morulas left. No one called to say they'd all arrested Day 3. Transferred both but WTF?July 13: Started my period

Sugar and carb cravings are often a result of hormonal imbalances, not just serotonin, but others we as well in particular ups and downs in blood sugar and insulin.

I have found the mediclear detox by Thorne to stop sugar and carb cravings.High cortisol levels can also affect insulin level and cravings. Since you are eating well and exercising I would suggest looking into more stress reduction techniques. Note that high cortisol levels also can lead to lower serotonin levels so more carb cravings.

There are also several supplements. Seek out a consult with a naturopath or Chinese medicine doctor in your area.

Here are two great resources that also help suggest supplements and tools

The Blood Sugar Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman MD

Spontaneous Happiness by Dr. Andrew Weil

Again, Mark Hyman's book as well as the Acubalance Fertility diet suggest an anti inflammatory low glycemic diet that is mostly plants based. Compare if your definition of healthy eating is the same as what we describe in our books.

I've found that eating good quality fats and lots of it will instantly curb any carb or sugar cravings you have. Rich cream with strawberries or greek salad with olive oil or canned herring is a great source of good fat. Try it!

Things I did for this cycle that's different from previous cycles: CoQ10 400 mg twice a day (started in Jan), Benadryl 25 mg 1x day after ET right up to Beta, drank more Rooibos tea after ET, increased my carbs since I am on low carb